Normalization of multiple RNA samples using an in vitro-synthesized external standard cRNA.

A method for the normalization of multiple RNA samples is described. This method exploits the recently developed technology which allows the synthesis of single-stranded, specific RNA molecules in vitro using either SP6 or T7 RNA polymerase to prepare an external standard cRNA. When this external standard cRNA is added to cell samples at the time of lysis, it becomes a stable, integral part of the RNA content of each sample, which can easily and reproducibly be detected and quantitated by either Northern blot or RNase protection. The feasibility of this approach to normalization has been tested in a mouse 3T3 cell model system. In multiple samples, the relative levels of this externally added standard transcript are shown to closely parallel the relative levels of an internal standard control transcript as well as the amount of RNA determined by spectrophotometric analysis. The data obtained demonstrate that an externally added, in vitro-synthesized transcript can serve as an accurate, universal means of normalizing multiple RNA samples, since it is not dependent on sample RNA concentration, species, cell or tissue type, or experimental manipulation.